Admission

IU South Bend Overview

Admission to the BSW program is a multi-step process. Each step must be completed before moving on to next the step.

Application Deadline Date(s)

The deadlines for the BSW Application are May 15 (for Fall admission) and November 15 (for Spring admission)

Step 1: Read the Requirements & Policies

Requirements

Enrollment in the BSW program requires formal admission to the IU School of Social Work. The following are the minimum requirements for consideration for admission to the program:

Regular admission to the university.

Completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours. Although we encourage early application, advanced students may also apply.

Satisfactory completion (grade of C or higher) of the required course SWK-S 141 Introduction to Social Work.

A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Evidence of characteristics or potential required of competent social work practitioners as defined in the mission statement of the School. Such evidence may be derived from application materials, letters of reference, pertinent work or volunteer experience, and performance in SWK-S 141 Introduction to Social Work.

Policies

Sex Offenders Screening Policy

It is the policy of the School of Social Work that no student or applicant who has been convicted of sex offenses against children shall be eligible for admission or continuation into the BSW, MSW or Ph.D. programs.

University Procedure

The Office of the Bloomington campus Registrar is responsible for running a report every semester against the state’s Sex Offender Registry and notifies the School of anyone who appears on the Registry.

School of Social Work Procedure

Applicants and Transfer Students. Applicants will be asked to self-report any history of Sexual Offenses against children. Any applicant or transfer student whose name is on the Registry will be ineligible for admission or transfer and shall be notified.

Continuing Students. Any continuing student whose name appears on the Registry during the time of matriculation, or has been convicted of an offense for which the student can be listed on the Registry, shall be ineligible for continuation in the program.

Notice. The School Bulletin shall include a statement giving notice to potential applicants that criminal convictions may render persons ineligible for admission.

Non-Exclusive Policy. Nothing in this policy shall be deemed to preclude the School from taking other appropriate action in such cases, or in the case of applicants or students involved in other conduct or criminal activities not covered in this policy.

Right to Appeal. Any applicant or student already admitted to one of the IUSSW programs who are deemed ineligible for admission or continuation based upon a record of criminal conviction may appeal to the Dean of the School of Social Work for reconsideration she/he believes there are extenuating circumstances that might mitigate the findings.

The Dean will appoint a review panel of three full-time faculty members to consider the student’s appeal. The review panel, in consultation with the office of University Counsel, will consider all pertinent information and make a ruling, which shall be considered final.

Step 3: Complete Documentation & Select References

All of the following documents and information are needed to upload into the IU School of Social Work BSW Program application

The acceptable formats are PDF, RTF, DOCX and DOC for all of the following.

Written Materials

If GPA is lower than 2.5 you are required to submit a petition.

Request Official Transcript(s)

Be prepared to upload official transcript(s) from EACH COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY EVER ATTENDED INCLUDING ALL CURRENT TRANSCRIPTS.

Please note: Most often colleges/universities will furnish you, upon request, a transcript with the stamp “Issued to Student”. Such a transcript is acceptable to us. This copy can be scanned and uploaded. Application files will not be reviewed without these transcripts.

If transcript is from a clearing house please print document and scan document as a different file before uploading. Be aware when ordering transcripts from clearing houses that they expire after 30 days and are then locked.

Mark out the social security number and birth date before uploading the documents into the application.

Select Three Professional References

Identify three professional references who are willing to complete an electronic web form. An email will be sent to each referee upon final submission of your online application with a link to complete a reference for you. Make sure you have your reference’s proper email address. The referee will be asked to upload a letter of recommendation or directly insert text into the electronic form.

Here is an example of the email that is sent to the referee.

Here is an example of the form the referee is to complete.

Step 4: Complete the IU School of Social Work Application

You must have Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3 completed before you start this application.

In the event that you discover you need to retrieve additional information or materials, you will be given the opportunity to save your progress and continue later. In this case, a special link will be emailed to you which allows you to continue the application where you left off.

Please make sure to submit your application far enough in advance of the deadline so that your references will have time to complete their recommendations prior to the due date.

Make sure you have your University Identification Number and Username.

Step 5: Ensure Total Completion

After submitting the IU School of Social Work application you will be sent two emails. The first email will contain the entire application you submitted. The second email will give you information about the progress of your application, including whether or not your referees have completed their references. Your application will not be reviewed until all references are submitted. The following is an example of the application progress email you will receive:

Application Progress Email (Keep on file to track your progress)

Hello First-name Last-name,

Thank you, First-name, for submitting your Bachelor of Social Work application. Requests for references have been sent to the following persons:

Please note that your application will not be submitted for consideration until your references have been submitted.

If you have any questions, please contact the IU School of Social Work at Diane Banic or (574) 520-4880.

BSW Application Portal website link

The "BSW Application Portal" hyperlink, in the above email example, will show the progress of your references.

You can go to the page as many times as needed to view the referee progress. It is up to you as a potential applicant to call or email the referee to complete the reference.

Step 6: Receive the Application Completion Notice

When all three references are complete the system will send you an email. The email will state the following:

Hi First-name Last-name,

Your application is COMPLETE and has been SUBMITTED!

Thank you for your application to the IU School of Social Work BSW Program. All references and supporting materials have been received with your formal application. At this time, no further changes can be made or accepted to your application.

If you feel there was an error or have any questions and or concerns, please email Diane Banic or call us at (574) 520-4880.

Thank You,
IU School of Social Work

Step 7: Wait for the Admission Decision

Thank you for submitting your application to Indiana University School of Social Work. Your application will be reviewed by the admissions committee in the order it is received. Watch your email for receipt of your admission decision.

Reference Form Example

Referee Personal Information

How long and in what capacities have you known the applicant? Please note that relatives, parents, and friends are not allowed to provide references.

Referee Academic Information/Credentials

Please provide information regarding your title, the organization you are associated with and any academic degrees you may have earned.

Referee Title/Position:

Referee Agency/Organization:

Agency/Organization Address:

Acedemic Degree(s)

Are you an Indiana University School of Social Work Alumni?

Summary Evaluation

Using the questions below, please rate the applicant relative to others whom you have known in a similar capacity.

Rating scale:

Outstanding (Top 5%)

Excellent

Above Average

Average

Below Average

No Basis for Judgment

Questions

Intellectual Potential

Ability to Work with Others

Emotional Stability

Sense of Responsibility

Communication Skills: Oral

Communication Skills: Written

Ability to analyze a problem and formulate a solution

Motivation for proposed study in social work

Concern with social issues

Demonstrated commitment to work on behalf of oppressed populations

Letter of Recommendation

Please provide a statement concerning the applicant’s scholarship, critical thinking skills, personality, character, and professional promise. Please include in the statement an assessment of strengths and deficits. Please comment on your view of the applicant’s philosophical congruence with the values and ethics of social work, if applicable. Please add any additional information that you deem critical for the assessment of this candidate.

Please indicate the strength of your overall recommendation by selecting a category below:

Yes, I highly recommend for admission

Yes, I recommend

Yes, I recommend with reservation

No, I do not recommend for admission

Reference Email Example

Hello {Reference First and Last Name},

{First and Last Name of applicant} gave us your name as a reference and indicated that you are willing to provide a reference in support of his/her application for the Bachelor of Social Work program at Indiana University. If you accept this request, please complete the electronic letter of recommendation form and upload a letter attesting to the student's character, skills, and abilities in completing a BSW. Please know that the student’s application will be flagged as incomplete and will not be processed until your submission is received.

We appreciate your time and energy and look forward to receiving your submission.

{First and Last Name of applicant} has answered in the application about the information you provide: I wish to retain my right of access to read the letter and form once I have been admitted to the program and enroll.

For your convenience, we have provided an online form to complete the reference: Letter of Recommendation form {Links to form reference is to complete, see sample below}.

If you have any questions, please contact the IU School of Social Work at {campus contact infromation varies by program}.

Petition for Exceptional Consideration

An applicant who believes that her or his individual circumstance warrants exceptional consideration for a waiver of the minimum admissions requirement of a 2.5 GPA to be considered for admission review must petition the BSW Admissions Committee.

The waiver should be submitted by the applicant in the form of a statement entitled "Petition for Exceptional Consideration" and submitted at time of application. The petition should include a statement indicating how the minimum admission requirement of a 2.5 GPA does not provide the applicant a fair and adequate opportunity to present herself or himself in a favorable light. The applicant should briefly discuss how she or he has demonstrated a capacity for successful achievement in a rigorous BSW program. For example, an applicant might provide evidence of superior grades during the most recent semesters, indicating a trend toward improved performance.

The applicant should also discuss how, if granted admission to the BSW program, she or he plans to address potential obstacles to complete the program successfully. For example, if a low grade point average was viewed as the result of personal circumstances, the applicant should discuss why those circumstances are not likely to be a factor during her or his BSW study.

Finally, the applicant should attest to the accuracy of all information provided in the petition.

Value Statement

The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) states:
The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession's history, are the foundation of social work's unique purpose and perspective:

service

social justice

dignity and worth of the person

importance of human relationship

integrity

competence

After reviewing the NASW Code of Ethics select one of the above mentioned values, explain the value, and discuss the significance this value holds for you.

Personal Narrative

Prepare a personal narrative, not to exceed six (6) typed pages in length. In some detail and in your own style, respond to the items listed below. This Personal Narrative is a critical part of your application folder. Consider it your opportunity to communicate with the BSW Admissions Committee about yourself. Review your statement carefully to be certain it will give the committee members a clear picture of your interest and suitability for professional social work. Please utilize APA style to format the paper and cite sources, particularly in discussing your selected current issue. For APA guidelines, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/.

Discuss and analyze two significant events in your growth and development that lead to your interest in Social Work. The Committee is most interested in what you learned from these events and how these lessons brought you to Social Work.

What is your definition of a social worker?

Social Work is concerned with advocating for oppressed populations and populations at risk. Below are scenarios that describe experiences of individuals from populations at risk. You will write on two separate scenarios. Select one scenario from 2 of the 3 following categories. Respond to the questions that appear below each scenario you selected.

Category 1 Option a:

Mary and Jill legally married four years ago. They decided to have a child. Mary became pregnant using an anonymous sperm donor and IVF (Invetro fertilization). Upon birth of the child Mary Smith and Jill FitzWilliams sought to have both of their names recorded on the birth certificate as the child’s parents. The hospital refused noting the couple planned to call the healthy 6 pound 3 ounce baby boy William Smith and an additional name on the birth certificate would create confusion for the child.

Articulate the individual and societal issues implicated by this scenario.

Discuss personal morals and values that influence your identification of issues in this scenario.

Identify individual solutions or action steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

Identify societal solutions and actions steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

Category 1 Option b:

Thomas and Jason have been in a committed relationship for 20 years. They are not legally married as marriage between same gendered individuals is illegal in their state. They have chosen not to travel to another state where it is legal thinking it their duty to help change the laws where they live. Yesterday, Thomas had a terrible car accident and is currently in a local hospital. A decision needs to be made regarding treatment. Jason who knows Thomas better than any other person on the planet is neither consulted nor allowed to visit. Thomas’ sister who has not seen Thomas for 18 years which was when she learned that he is gay is consulted as she is the next known legal kin.

Articulate the individual and societal issues implicated by this scenario.

Discuss personal morals and values that influence your identification of issues in this scenario.

Identify individual solutions or action steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

Identify societal solutions and actions steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

Category 2 Option a:

Tammyis a 12 year old girl who associates with a group of older men and possibly may be taking drugs. She has a reputation in school of a sexually promiscuous girl. She disclosed having had intercourse with 5 adults. Two of the adults received warnings from the police to stay away from Tammy after admitting to the Police that they had intercourse with Tammy. Tammy frequently failed to come home, was often picked-up at school by a non-family member adult male, and was disruptive in school. A school case conference was held to determine whether Tammy should be reported to Child Protection services or probation. It was agreed by all at the conference that Tammy was in need of help. However, the principal argued against contacting child protection as this was not a sexual abuse issue. He thought Tammy had been ‘100% consensual in every incident” and some of the older men were high school students known to be good kids. He thought this was juvenile delinquency with an acting out child.

Articulate the individual and societal issues implicated by this scenario.

Discuss personal morals and values that influence your identification of issues in this scenario.

Identify individual solutions or action steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

Identify societal solutions and actions steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

Category 2 Option b:

Lisa is a 21 year old college student. She confided in you that one of her professors, Jon Doe has been putting pressure on her for a date. She feels uncomfortable about the pressure. She tells you, “I dated one of my professors last year. He was a lot of fun and I got a great grade in the class. But, I am not into Professor Doe.” You talk to your advisor and tell her about Lisa’s discomfort. The advisor says, “Professor Doe wouldn’t date a student. It is against University policy. Besides, he is married and has two kids.”

Articulate the individual and societal issues implicated by this scenario.

Discuss personal morals and values that influence your identification of issues in this scenario.

Identify individual solutions or action steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

Identify societal solutions and actions steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

Category 3 Option a:

You and two of your friends are standing at a busy fast food counter waiting to order. The clerk looks past a young man dressed in baggy pants and a hoodie sweatshirt and invites an elderly Caucasian woman to order. The woman points to the young man saying he was here first. The clerk snaps, “I’ll get to him when it is his turn.” She maintains steady eye contact with the woman not looking at the young man at all. After a pause, the woman shrugs her shoulders, sighs, steps forward and orders. The young man turns and walks out of the restaurant. When you get to your table with your food you discuss the situation just observed. One friend says, “That clerk is racist.” Your other friend says, “I think the kid over reacted.”

Articulate the individual and societal issues implicated by this scenario.

Discuss personal morals and values that influence your identification of issues in this scenario.

Identify individual solutions or action steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

Identify societal solutions and actions steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

Category 3 Option b:

During a class discussion one of your classmates provides an insightful analysis about a current United States and China diplomatic challenge. In response to your classmates comment the instructor says, “What an insightful comment for an Asian-American woman. Is your family from China? I mean, that was really good.” At break you overhear your classmate expressing frustration at being insulted.

Articulate the individual and societal issues implicated by this scenario.

Discuss personal morals and values that influence your identification of issues in this scenario.

Identify individual solutions or action steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

Identify societal solutions and actions steps you would propose and support to resolve these issues.

There are many social issues that impact social work practitioners and the populations we work with. Though many issues could be appropriate, select one issue from the list below, then describe and analyze the current state of the issue.

Access and affordability of health care

Child welfare

Marriage equality and protections for the GLBTQ community

Impact of globalization on local communities

Veterans services

Immigration

Income inequality

Criminal justice system and racial disparity

Social security

Please, include any additional information that you think is relevant to your application to the BSW Program.